CAPSULE SENSING SYSTEM

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to a sensing system for a capsule within in a beverage preparation machine.

[0002] For the purpose of the present description, a "beverage" is meant to include any human-consumable liquid substance, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food, etc. A "capsule" is meant to designated a packaging for enclosing any pre-portioned beverage ingredient. Unless specified, the packaging is of any material and any structure, in particular an airtight packaging, e.g. plastic, aluminium, recyclable and/or biodegradable packagings, and of any shape and structure, including soft pods or rigid cartridges containing the ingredient.

Background Art

[0003] Electrically powered systems for preparing beverages, in particular hot beverages such as tea or coffee, including such beverages that are prepared using portioned ingredients for instance contained in capsules or pods, have been developed and have become very popular, for use at home as well as out of home.

[0004] The numerous advantages of such systems have been widely recognized, in particular, their convenience of use, clean operations and better controlled quality of the brewed beverage delivered.

[0005] It is known to associate a radio frequency (RF) identifier to the capsule for the purpose of recognizing the capsule which is inserted in the device such as by a reader. Such identification allows changing particular operations, in the beverage producing device, in response to the detection of the identifier. For instance, brewing operations can be modified accordingly for adapting them to the type of capsule detected. For instance, brewing parameters, such as water temperature, the beverage volume or others, can be changed.

[0006] FR 2 912 124 relates to a portioned package for preparation of a beverage comprising two flexible walls connected by their seam and comprising an RFID tag for contactless reading which is positioned in a reinforced peripheral portion at the seam of the package. EP 1 890 271 relates to a method of controlling the dispensing of an infusion product with a container for a product dose and an RFID tag associated to a respective number of containers. GB 2 397 510 relates to a cartridge and machine for the preparation of beverage wherein each cartridge carries a code comprising a plurality of data bits which barcode is read by a beverage preparation machine upon insertion of the cartridge in the machine.

[0007] WO 2005/044067 relates to an apparatus enabling the traceability of the content of a receptacle and its origin wherein the receptacle comprises an optical or magnetic code containing information as to the content or origin of the receptacle which are read by an external reader, e.g., comprising a magnetic head. The code can be a metallic wire or ribbon containing recorded information in magnetic format.

[0008] Other systems has been developed which involve the use of optical recognition, e.g. of bar codes or other visual identifiers on capsules, as for example disclosed in WO02/28241 and GB 2 397 510.

[0009] Such prior art capsule recognition systems involve the use of complicated and/or expensive emitters and sensors. These sensing systems, particularly involving optical recognition, are likely to be exposed to interferences (insufficiently clean environment) and/or mis-positioning affecting the reliability of the sensing. Such delicate sensing devices are located in harsh environments, such as brewing unit, and thus exposed to high temperature and pressure likely to cause premature failure of such devices.

[0010] A device according to the introductory portion of claim 1 is already known from document EP-A-455337.

[0011] There is therefore still a need to simplify and/or reduce the costs involved with the sensing of capsules used in beverage preparation machines while providing a reliable sensing system.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] The invention relates to a brewing unit of a machine for preparing a beverage. The brewing unit has: a seat for holding a capsule in a beverage preparation configuration, the capsule comprising an electrically conductive material; and a capsule sensing electric circuit with first and second electric connectors.

[0013] For instance, the brewing unit is configured for a machine for preparing coffee, tea, chocolate or soup. In particular, the machine is arranged for preparing within a beverage module a beverage by passing hot or cold water or another liquid through the capsule held by the brewing unit. The capsule typically forms a packaging that delimits an inner cavity for containing an ingredient of the beverage to be prepared, such as ground coffee or tea or chocolate or cacao or milk powder. Hence, an ingredient used for the beverage preparation can be introduced into the machine in a pre-portioned form with the aid of a capsule, i.e. a packaging for holding and containing the ingredient.

[0014] In accordance with the invention, the first electric connector and the second electric connector are:

• electrically connected through the electrically conductive material of the capsule when the capsule is present in the seat; and
• electrically disconnected when no such capsule is in the seat and/or when the seat is in a configuration for receiving and/or evacuating a capsule,

so as to close and interrupt, respectively, the capsule sensing electric circuit.

[0015] Hence, by monitoring the electric behaviour of this electric circuit, the electric relationship between the first and circuit's electric conductors may be analysed and the characteristics of the electric path between the connectors analysed. When a conductive capsule bearing such an electric path is present in the seat of the brewing unit the electric characteristics of the circuit are different to circuit's electric characteristics when the capsule is absent.

[0016] It follows that invention provides an inexpensive and reliable and robust sensing system in a brewing unit for beverage preparation machines using capsules and whose electric contacts for sensing a capsule are simple to implement in the brewing unit configurations known in the art.

[0017] The sensing system of the invention is in particular nearly unaffected by the cleanness of the environment, in particular when the electric contacts are located in an area that is not at all exposed to liquids in particular to beverage prepared by the brewing unit. Moreover, unlike optical recognition, the sensing system is generally not affected by any orientation of the capsule or deformation thereof or light interferences in so far as the orientation of the capsule is predetermined by the configuration of the capsule seat. An capsule type based discrimination of the capsules is easily achieved in an inexpensive and reliable manner by providing type dependant electric characteristics, such as type dependant resistivity, of the capsule that can be measured by the capsule sensing electric circuit.

[0018] This simple capsule sensing system may be used for instance in an automatic capsule recognition and machine parameterisation process. For instance, the machine may be pre-programmed for carrying out different beverage preparation processes depending on the type of capsules used, e.g. a capsule containing ground coffee for preparing an espresso that can be differentiated by the system from a capsule containing ground coffee for preparing a regular or lungo coffee. Hence, the quantity of water and/or heating and/or pumping pressure may be controlled automatically based on the sensing system. In order for the machine to discriminate automatically between the capsules, the capsules of one type have electrical properties that are different from the electrical properties of another type and such differences of properties can be sensed by the circuit.

[0019] The simple capsule sensing system can be used for capsule detection, namely for detecting the presence or the absence of a capsule in the seat of the brewing unit, for instance to control the status of the machine, in particular its energy consumption as appropriate. Hence, when the machine detects no capsule in the seat, a thermal conditioner such as a heater in particular an accumulation heater e.g. a thermoblock, may be shut down or run down to an lower energy consumption level to save energy. Likewise, an energy-consuming user-interface, e.g. a user-signalling LED, an interface screen, a touch screen and/or a illuminated button may be shut-off in the absence of a capsule in the seat. The absence of an ingredient capsule in the seat may also be used to authorise a service mode, e.g. for cleaning and/or descaling the machine, etc.

[0020] It follows that the capsule sensing arrangement can be used to increase the user convenience by automatically recognising the type of capsule used in the brewing unit and automatically carry out type-dedicated operations. Moreover, the sensing arrangement may be used to reduce the energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint of a beverage preparation machine during its lifetime.

[0021] A first level of recognition may be linked to a pre-programmed beverage preparation process adjusted to the capsule type, e.g. a capsule for preparing an espresso or a lungo or a regular coffee. A second level of recognition may be linked to the identification of the content of the capsule, e.g. a particular coffee blend, and will allow the machine to communicate to the user information about the particular ingredient content e.g. via an interface screen, such as information as to the composition and origin and context of the ingredient content.

[0022] For instance, the electric circuit comprises a module for:

• detecting a presence of the capsule in the seat by sensing a voltage and/or a current circulating between the first and second electric connectors; and/or
• recognising a capsule type from a plurality of different types of capsules by measuring a type-dependant electric characteristic, such as an impedance, of the capsule when present in the seat and electrically connected to the first and second electric connectors.

[0023] This module may include a processor or like controller and a sensor connected thereto for sensing a characteristic of the electric circuit when powered. For instance, the sensor may include an ammeter for sensing whether or not current may pass between the first and second connectors whereby the presence and/or the resistivity of a capsule in the seat may be derived. Likewise, the sensor may include a voltmeter for sensing the magnitude of a voltage drop between the first and second connectors. It is also possible to analyse the capacitive or inductive properties of a capsule in the seat by passing a non-constant, e.g. a sinusoidal electrical power component, in the circuit. Hence, the impedance or other electric characteristic, e.g. involving the use of non-linear or active electric components in the capsule, may be used to detect the presence of a capsule in the seat and/or to identify a capsule type selected from a plurality of types.

[0024] According to the invention, the electric circuit comprises a third electric connector which is electrically connectable to the first electric connector through an electric path in the electrically conductive material of the capsule that is different to an electric path in the electrically conductive material connecting the first and second electric connectors. The use of further electric connectors is also contemplated. The different connectors may be associated with different electric paths in the capsule having dedicated sensing functions, in particular for: identifying the presence or absence of the capsule; the type of capsule; a sub-type of a capsule or an indication about its age, e.g. to check whether the capsule is still safe for consumption.

[0025] At least one of the electric connectors can be arranged to contact, particularly non-intrusively, a capsule surface made of the electrically conductive material of the capsule when present in the seat and to circulate an electric current therethrough. Hence, this surface of the capsule should be electrically non-insulated. The capsule may be made of electrically conductive material or may bear a conductive surface layer, e.g. a conductive paint.

[0026] At least one of the electric connectors can be arranged to pierce a capsule surface, in particular a non-conductive surface, to come into contact with the electrically conductive material of the capsule underneath its surface, when the capsule is present in the seat, and to circulate an electric current through the capsule's conductive material. In this case, the capsule may or may not be covered with an electrically insulating material, e.g. an insulating paint.

[0027] The brewing unit may have a first enclosing part and a second enclosing part delimiting a capsule chamber that forms the seat. In particular, the enclosing parts are movable apart for inserting the capsule into the seat and/or removing the capsule from the seat and are movable together to hold the capsule in the seat for beverage preparation from the capsule. Examples of brewing units with such first and second enclosing parts can be found in EP 1 646 305, EP 1 859 713, EP 1 859 714 and WO 2009/043630.

[0028] The first and/or the second enclosing part(s) may form and/or bear one or more of the circuit's electric connectors.

[0029] The first and second enclosing parts can be configured to be movable together so as to squeeze therebetween an electrically conductive portion, such as a tongue or peripheral flange, e.g. a rim, of the capsule when said capsule is present in the seat. At least one of the electric connectors may be mounted in and/or adjacent one of the enclosing parts adjacent the squeezed portion, e.g. adjacent a portion extending outside the seat.

[0030] First and second electric connectors can be arranged to:

• electrically contact each other in the absence of any capsule in the seat that is in a capsule extraction configuration, e.g. when the above enclosing parts are moved together in the absence of any capsule in the seat; and
• be out of electrical contact when the seat is in a capsule receiving and/or evacuation configuration, e.g. when the above enclosing parts are spaced apart.

[0031] Hence, in addition to detecting the presence and absence of a capsule in the seat, it is also possible to detect whether the seat is in an open configuration for receiving and/or evacuating a capsule or in a closed configuration for circulating liquid through the seat. In the former configuration, circulation of liquid through the seat (e.g. by operating a pump) may be prevented. In the latter configuration, liquid circulation may be allowed either for servicing purposes (in particular when no capsule is in the closed seat) or for preparing a beverage (in particular when a capsule is detected in the closed seat).

[0032] In one embodiment, the seat comprises a capsule piercer, such as at least one piercing element selected from a pin, needle, cone, pyramid and blade or a surface forming a series of such piercing elements e.g. a pyramid plate. Such a piercer is typically used to open the capsule for the introduction of liquid therein, e.g. water, or the removal of liquid therefrom, e.g. the beverage. Examples of such capsule piercers can be found in EP 512 470, EP 1 299 022 and EP 1 339 305.

[0033] The capsule piercer may form one of the electric connectors which is arranged to be in contact with an electrically conductive portion of the capsule, when present in the seat and in particular when pierced by the piercer, and to circulate an electric current therethrough.

[0034] When a capsule piercer is used as a connector, the outer surface of the capsule adjacent to the piercer does not need to be electrically conductive but may be covered with an insulating layer such as a colour paint. Electrical conduct is thus achieved by penetration of the piercer through the insulating surface into the conductive material underneath.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method of operating the above described brewing unit. The method includes the powering of the electric circuit and the measuring of at least one electric characteristic, such as a circulating current and/or a voltage drop between the first and second electric connectors (A,B). From this measuring, the following may be deriving:

• a presence or an absence in the seat of a capsule that comprises an electrically conductive material connected to and inter-connecting the connectors by forming therebetween an electrically conducting path; and
• a capsule type selected from a plurality of different types of capsules comprising an electrically conductive material having a type-dependant electric characteristic, such as an impedance, measurable by the electric circuit when a capsule of one of such types is present in the seat.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of a capsule having an electrically conductive material for connecting electrically the electric connectors of a brewing unit as described above, when this capsule is held in the seat. For instance the seat forms a housing arranged for housing the capsule.

[0037] The electrically conductive material may be metallic, e.g. containing aluminium, copper, iron, etc... or may be a conductive ceramic or organic material, e.g. a conductive paint or plastic material.

[0038] The capsule can be made of a structure consisting predominantly of the electrically conductive material, in particular wherein at least 60 wt%, such as at least 75 wt%, optionally at least 95 wt% of the capsule. For instance, the capsule is made of a metallic packaging, e.g. an aluminium-based packaging, with or without an insulating outer layer for protecting the structure and/or for visual recognition reasons.

[0039] The invention also relates to a capsule for a brewing unit as described above. The capsule has: a non-conductive structure; and a track made of the electrically conductive material supported by the structure for electrically connecting the first and second electric connectors.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention relates to a set of capsules for a brewing unit as described above. The capsules comprise an electrically conductive material and differ from each other by at least one electric characteristic, such as the impedance, of the electrically conductive material of each capsule. Hence, the capsules may be sensed by the electric circuit, for example to distinguish the capsules and/or to detect whether or not a capsule is present in the brewing unit.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to method of deactivating an electric circuit of a brewing unit as described above. The method comprises electrically connecting the electric connectors with a by-pass. The by-pass may be integrated in the electric circuit, physically and/or by programming a control unit of the circuit thereof. Hence, the same brewing unit may be used in machines which are arranged to be operated with capsules that can be sensed by the circuit and in machines which are not intended to provide such a feature. The presence of a capsule in the seat may thus be simulated by the by-pass so that the brewing machine may operate whether or not a capsule is used that is designed for being sensed by the electric circuit.

[0042] Yet a further aspect of the invention relates to the use of an electrically conductive conductor as a by-pass for the above method. The conductor is for instance arranged to extend along a peripheral part of the seat so as to leave sufficient room in the seat for inserting a separate capsule. Hence, such a separate capsule does not require to interconnect the electric connectors to allow proper operation of the brewing unit.

[0043] A low electric power can be sufficient to sense capsule in the seat. For instance, a voltage drop between the electric connectors of 0.1 to 12 volt can be provided, in particular 1 to 10 volt such as 2.5 to 7.5 volt. The current circulating between the electric connectors in the capsule can be of the order of 0.01 to 50 mA, in particular from 0.1 to 5 mA such as 0.3 to 1 mA. However, it is also possible to use higher voltage and/or amperage. The power for sensing the capsule may be an AC or a DC power.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044] The invention will now be described with reference to the schematic drawings, wherein:

• Figures 1 to 9 schematically illustrate different configurations of electric connectors associated with a capsule seat of a brewing unit according to the invention;
• Figure 10 illustrates a capsule suitable for such a brewing unit;
• Figure 11 shows a cross-section of a structure of such a brewing unit; and
• Figure 12 schematically illustrates a capsule detecting electric circuit of such a brewing unit.

Detailed description

[0045] One aspect of the invention relates to a brewing unit of a beverage preparation machine. The brewing unit is configured to operate with capsules containing an ingredient of the beverage to be prepared, e.g. ground coffee or tea or chocolate. A suitable capsule 2 is illustrated in Fig. 10, the structure of a brewing unit 1 suitable for implementing the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 11 and an electric circuit A,Aa,a,B, Bb,b,abc is illustrated in Fig. 12. Various embodiments of electric connections between capsule 2 and electric circuit A,Aa,a,B,Bb,b,abc are illustrated in Figs 1 to 9.

[0046] In a particular embodiment of the invention, capsule 2 has a generally cup-shaped body 21 and a covering membrane 22. Membrane 22 is assembled to cup 21 along a peripheral rim 24 of cup 21. Rim 24 may be covered with a seal 24', e.g. made of elastomeric material, as will be explained below. Furthermore, capsule 2 in particular rim 24 and/or membrane 22 may bear a ring or toroid 23, e.g. for assisting manufacturing and/or handling of capsule 2. Such capsule 2 forms a packaging for containing an ingredient 20, e.g. ground coffee, of a beverage to be prepared with the beverage preparation machine containing brewing unit 1.

[0047] In an embodiment, capsule 2 forms a gastight packaging, e.g. made of aluminium or an aluminium-alloy. Alternatively, the capsule may be more or less pervious, e.g. perforated and/or made of organic, in particular plastic material, e.g. biodegradable material. The capsule's cup 21 and/or the capsule's membrane 22 may be made of a monolithic material, e.g. a metallic material or a conductive ceramic and/or conducive organic material, or may be made of a structure covered or containing a conductive material, e.g. a conductive coating or track, e.g. an aluminium, iron and/or copper coating or track.

[0048] Brewing unit 1 forms a seat 11 for holding capsule 2. Moreover, unit 1 comprises a capsule sensing electric circuit with first and second electric connectors A,B and optionally a third connector C.

[0049] In accordance with the invention, first electric connector A and second electric connector B are electrically inter-connected through electrically conductive material 21,22,24 of capsule 2 when capsule 2 is present in the seat 11. Connectors A,B,C are electrically disconnected when capsule 2 is not in seat 11. Hence, sensing electric circuit circuit A,Aa,a,B,Bb, b,abc is closed or interrupted depending on the presence or absence, respectively, of capsule 2 in seat 11.

[0050] As illustrated in Fig. 12, electric circuit A,Aa,a,B,Bb,b,abc comprises a module abc. Module abc may include a processor or other form of controller connected to an electric sensor of sensing an electric characteristic of the electric circuit. For instance, module abc is arranged for:

• detecting a presence of capsule 2 in seat 11 by sensing a voltage and/or a current circulating between the first and second electric connectors A,B; and/or
• recognising a capsule type from a plurality of different types of capsules by measuring a type-dependant electric characteristic, such as an impedance e.g. resistance, of capsule 2 when present in the seat 11 and electrically connected to first and second electric connectors A,B.

[0051] As mentioned above and illustrated in Fig. 12, electric circuit A,Aa,a,B,Bb,b,abc may comprise a third electric connector C which is electrically connectable to first electric connector A through an electric path AC in the capsule's electrically conductive material 21,22 that is different to an electric path AB in the electrically conductive material 21,24' connecting first and second electric connectors A,B.

[0052] As illustrated in Fig. 12, the capsule sensing electric circuit may comprise a control circuit abc that is connected via connectors a,b,c and lines Aa,Bb,Cc to connectors A,B,C associated with seat 11 for coming into contact with capsule 2 when present in seat 11.

[0053] At least one of the electric connectors B is arranged to contact a capsule surface made of the electrically conductive material 24' of capsule 2 when present in the seat 11 and to circulate an electric current therethrough. At least one of the electric connectors A,C can be arranged to pierce a capsule surface, in particular a non-conductive surface, to come into contact with the electrically conductive material 21,22 of capsule 2 underneath its surface, when capsule 2 is present in the seat 11, and to circulate an electric current through this conductive material.

[0054] For the purpose of exemplification, Fig. 11 illustrates a structure of brewing unit 1 that may be fitted with this capsule sensing electric circuit.

[0055] In this particular embodiment, brewing unit 1 comprises first and second enclosing parts 13a,13b delimiting a capsule chamber that forms seat 11. Enclosing parts 13a,13b are movable apart for inserting capsule 2 into seat 11 and/or removing capsule 2 from seat 11 and are movable together to hold capsule 2 in seat 2 for beverage preparation from capsule 2, in particular by circulating a liquid such as water into capsule 2 through ingredient 20 and out of capsule 2.

[0056] First and second enclosing parts 13a,13b may be moved together and apart on a frame 18 by actuating pivotable handle 14.

[0057] Further constructional details of brewing unit 1 may be found in WO 2009/043630. It is to be noted that other brewing unit structures may be used to implement the present invention, in particular as disclosed EP 1 646 305, EP 1 859 713 and EP 1 859 714.

[0058] First and/or second enclosing part(s) 13a,13b may form and/or bear one or more of electric connectors A,B,C.

[0059] For instance, first and second enclosing parts 13a,13b are configured to be movable together so as to squeeze therebetween an electrically conductive portion 24,24', such as a tongue or peripheral flange e.g. rim with a seal, of capsule 2 when present in seat 11. Electric connector B can be mounted at rim 111 of enclosing part 13b adjacent squeezed rim 24 with seal 24'. Seal 24' urged between enclosing parts 13a,13b may ensure water-tightness.

[0060] Seat 11 may include an upstream capsule piercer 12a and a downstream capsule piercer 12b. For example, upstream piercer is formed of one to three of four water injection blades 12a. Downstream piercer may be made of a surface 12b forming a series of piercing elements such as piercing pyramids that tear open membrane 22. Such piercing element may form one or more electric connectors A,C arranged to be electrically inter-connected by an electrically conductive path AB of capsule 2, when present in the seat 11 and in particular when pierced by the piercer, and to circulate an electric current therethrough. In a variation, downstream piercer 12b may be formed by a non-intrusive extraction surface, i.e. the surface is not arranged to penetrate and/or tear open membrane 22. In this case, membrane 22 may be pre-pierced or may include a self-opening configuration. An electric contact may nevertheless be ensured between membrane 22 and such an extraction surface by urging membrane 22 and the extraction surface. The same principle applies if downstream piercer 12b acts as a delayed opener, i.e. piercer causing opening of membrane 22 only after start-up of beverage preparation, e.g. under the effect of rising pressure in capsule 2 upon injection of pressurised liquid via or along opener 13a.

[0061] The beverage preparation machine with such a brewing unit 1 typically includes one or more of the following components:

a) brewing unit 1, for holding in a beverage preparation configuration a capsule 2 containing a flavouring ingredient 20 and for guiding an incoming flow of liquid, such as water, through this ingredient to a beverage outlet 15;

b) an in-line heater 16, such as a thermoblock, for heating this flow of liquid to be supplied to capsule seat 11 of brewing unit 1 via a fluid connector 17;

c) a pump for pumping liquid through in-line heater 16;

d) one or more fluid connecting members for guiding liquid from a source of liquid, such as a tank of liquid, to beverage outlet 15;

e) an electric control unit abc, in particular comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), for receiving instructions from a user via an interface and for controlling in-line heater 16 and the pump; and

f) one or more electric sensors for sensing at least one operational characteristic selected from characteristics of seat 11, in-line heater 16, the pump, the liquid reservoir, a used capsule collector, a flow of liquid, a pressure of liquid and a temperature of liquid, and for communicating such characteristic(s) to the control unit.

[0062] Heater 16 may be a thermoblock or an on demand heater (ODH), for instance an ODH type disclosed in EP 1 253 844, EP 1 380 243 and EP 1 809 151. Examples of suitable brewing units and capsule management are for example disclosed in WO 2005/004683, WO2007/135136 and WO 2009/043630. Suitable beverage preparation modules are for instance disclosed in WO 2009/074550 and WO 2009/130099.

[0063] Different configurations of electric connectors A,B,C relative to seat 11 are illustrated in Figs 1 to 9.

[0064] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment with two electric connectors A1,B1 in seat 11 of brewing unit 1. Connectors A1,B1 are arranged to come into contact with cup 21 of capsule 2. Typically, connectors A1,B1 are formed by a pair of piercing elements 12a that open an upstream part of capsule 2 for injecting water into capsule 2. In this case, the electric path in capsule 2 joining connectors A1,B1 may extend along a bottom (upstream part) of cup 21.

[0065] Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which a first connector A2 is arranged to come into contact with cup 21 of capsule 2, e.g. by piercing, and a second connector B2 is arranged to come into contact with capsule ring 23, typically a part of capsule 2 that extends outside seat 11. For instance, connector B2 is formed by support 151 of part 13b in Fig. 11. In this case, capsule 2 should comprise the electrically conductive material at least in a central part of the bottom of cup 21, extend therefrom along the sidewalls of cup 21 and cross peripheral rim 24 to reach ring 23 that is made of electrically conductive material. It should be noted that cup 21 and/or peripheral rim 24 may be made of electrically conductive material or may merely bear conductive tracks in or on a non-conductive structure forming these parts. Moreover, peripheral ring 23 may be made of electrically conductive material generally along its entire periphery or may be made of an electrically non-conductive structure bearing a track of conductive material, e.g. radially extending from peripheral rim 24. In the latter case, connector B2 may be ring-shaped and extend over a substantial part or the entire periphery of ring 23 to intercept the conductive radial track. In the former case, connector B2 may be a point connector contacting any point of conductive ring 23.

[0066] Fig. 3 illustrates a further embodiment in which both connectors A3,B3 come into contact with ring 23 of capsule 2 at spaced apart locations, e.g. opposite locations. In this case, the conductive path between the connectors A3,B4 can extend generally across membrane 22, if conductive, or along rim 24 and/or ring 23 if membrane 22 is non-conductive or significantly less conductive than rim 24 and/or ring 23.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which connectors A4,B4 come into contact with capsule rim 24, in particular a sealing element 24 of capsule 2. In this configuration, the conductive path between the connectors A4,B4 may extend generally across membrane 22, if conductive, or along rim 24 and/or ring 23 if membrane 22 is non-conductive or poorly conductive.

[0068] Fig. 5 illustrates a further embodiment in which connectors A5,B5 come into contact with capsule cup 21 and membrane 22. In this configuration, the conductive path between the connectors A5,B5 may extend generally along capsule cup 21 and membrane 22. In a variation, the conductive path may be formed by a conductive wire, indicated by dotted line 25, extending through capsule 2 between connectors A5,B5.

[0069] Fig. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment, similar to the embodiment of Fig. 3, in which connectors A5,B5 come into contact with rim 24 at the periphery of membrane 22. In this configuration, the conductive path between connectors A6,B6 may extend through membrane 22.

[0070] Fig. 7 shows a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 2, in which second connector B7 contacts a sealing member formed on rim 24 for sealing off seat 11 around capsule 2 when brewing unit 1 is closed.

[0071] Fig. 8 shows a yet further embodiment in which first connector A8 is located on sealing member 24' on rim 24 and second connector B8 is located on rim 24 itself. For instance, rim 24 is a metallic peripheral extension of membrane 22 and sealing member 24' an elastomeric ring loaded with conductive material such as metallic particles. Moreover, first and second connectors A8,B8 may be elastically constrained towards each other so as to touch each other, and be in electrical contact, when enclosing parts 13a,13b are together. When enclosing parts 13a,13b are spaced apart (open) first and second connectors A8,B8 are not touching each other and not in electric direct contact. This configuration permits several level of sensing.

[0072] The lack of electric contact between connectors A8,B8 indicates that enclosing parts 13a,13b are spaced apart and that brewing unit 1 is open. In this case, injection of liquid into seat 11 can be blocked for safety and/or hygiene reasons and/or the machine may be run down into an economy mode at reduced energy consumption. When electric contact between connectors A8,B8 is detected, it means that the enclosing parts 13a,13b are closed. If the voltage drop between connectors A8,B8 is very low, e.g. close to zero, it means that no capsule is present in seat 11. In this latter case, beverage preparation may be blocked however service modes, such as rinsing and/or descaling, may be allowed. When the voltage drop is at an intermediate level, between the maximum voltage drop when the enclosing parts 13a,13b are spaced apart and the minimum voltage drop when the enclosing parts 13a,13b are closed without any capsule 2 in-between, its means that a capsule 2 is present in seat 2 with rim 24 and seal 24' connecting connectors A8,B8. In this latter case, beverage preparation may be allowed. In a more advanced configuration, the electric circuit may be arranged to sense several intermediate voltage drops corresponding to different levels of resistivity of rim 24 and seal 24' that are type-dependant. In other words, the type of capsule may be derived from the intermediate voltage drop and the beverage preparation process may be adjusted accordingly in an automatic manner.

[0073] Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment with three connectors A9,B9,C9 that is equivalent to the embodiment shown in Fig. 12 and that combines the electric contact configurations A5(=A7),B5,B7 of the embodiments shown in Figs 5 and 7.

[0074] In all these embodiments, the electric characteristics of capsules 2 may be used to: detect a presence or absence of capsule 2 in seat 11; and/or to identify a type of a capsule 2 in seat 11 selected from a plurality of different capsule types.

[0075] In the latter case, the electric characteristic of one type of capsules 2 is different to another type of capsules 2. For instance, the impedance, in particular the resistivity of the conductive paths AB,AC through the capsules may differ between the capsule types. For example, the geometry of the conductive path is changed and/or the electric material carrying the electric path is changed from one type to another type so as to provide a differentiating electric marking for each capsule type.

[0076] In one embodiment, different types of capsules 2 have all the same electric characteristics with respect to their capsule cup 21 and membrane 22. However, capsule rims 24 bear sealing members that have type-dedicated electric properties, in particular a type-dedicated resistivity. For example, these sealing members are made of rubber material that is loaded with conductive particles. The amount and/or nature of the conductive particles, e.g. copper, iron and/or aluminium particles, are different for the different capsule types to allow their automatic identification by measuring their resistivity.

[0077] As mentioned above, the seal at rim 24 may be used to seal seat 11 around capsule 2 between enclosing part 13a,13b of brewing unit 1. A suitable implementation of such seals on capsules and their (mechanical) interaction with the seat can be found in EP 1 654 966, the content of which is hereby incorporated by way of reference.

[0078] During use, e.g. of the configuration shown in Fig. 12, the electric circuit A,Aa,a,B,Bb,b,abc is put under power, e.g. a voltage is applied between connectors A,B,C. By measuring the current passed from connector A to connector B and from connector A to connector C, the presence of a capsule with electrically conductive paths AB,AC can be derived from the existence of a circulating current that is greater than zero (i.e. the electric circuit is closed between connectors A,B,C by the presence of capsule 2) and/or the type-dedicated resistivity of the paths AB,AC can be derived by measuring the level of the current passed and dividing the voltage by the measured current.

[0079] Control unit abc may be programmed to run down automatically the beverage preparation machine into an energy saving mode in the absence of a capsule 2 in seat 11, for instance by shutting-off an energy consuming user-interface or a heat-accumulation heater 16. The absence of a capsule 2 in seat 11 may also allow a service mode, e.g. the user may be allowed to request the carrying out of a cleaning and/or rinsing process.

[0080] Moreover, control unit abc may be programmed to carry out automatically different beverage preparation processes depending on the type of a capsule identified by the system. For instance, the amount and/or the temperature of water circulated through the capsules may be adjusted for each type of capsules.

[0081] If appropriate, the control unit abc may be deactivated by by-passing the connectors A,B,C. Such a by-pass may be "virtual", for example by programming control unit abc, e.g. a user may request via an appropriate user-interface deactivation of the system or an after-sale service may reprogram control unit abc for such a purpose. By-passing connectors A,B,C may also be achieved physically, e.g. by inserting a by-pass S1,S2 between connectors A,B,C. Such a by-pass S1,S2 may be made of an appropriate electric conductor that is associated with seat 11 such as to simulate the presence of a conductive capsule 2. Such conductors S1,S2, e.g. an electric conductive track inserted into seat 11 and following the walls of seat 11, should be sufficiently small to leave sufficient unoccupied space in seat 11 for inserting a capsule therein of the same or similar size as conductive capsule 2 or of a smaller size to account for the space occupation of a "large" by-pass.

Claims

1. A brewing unit (1) of a beverage preparation machine comprising: a seat (11) for holding a capsule (2) comprising an electrically conductive material; and a capsule sensing electric circuit with first and second electric connectors (A,B), wherein
the first electric connector (A) and the second electric connector (B) are:

- electrically connected through said electrically conductive material of said capsule (2) when said capsule is present in the seat (11); and

- electrically disconnected when said capsule is not in the seat and/or when the seat is in an open configuration for receiving and/or evacuating a capsule,

so as to close and interrupt, respectively, the capsule sensing electric circuit (A,Aa,a,B,Bb,b,abc), characterized in that the electric circuit comprises a third electric connector (C) which is electrically connectable to the first electric connector (A) through an electric path (AC) in the electrically conductive material of said capsule (2) that is different to an electric path (AB) in the electrically conductive material connecting the first and second electric connectors (A,B).

2. The unit of claim 1, wherein the electric circuit comprises a module (abc) for:

- detecting a presence of said capsule (2) in the seat (11) by sensing a voltage and/or a current circulating between the first and second electric connectors (A,B); and/or

- recognising a capsule type from a plurality of different types of capsules by measuring a type-dependant electric characteristic, such as an impedance, of said capsule (2) when present in the seat (11) and electrically connected to the first and second electric connectors (A,B).

3. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the electric connectors (A3, A4, A6, A8, B2, B3, B4, B6, B7,B8,B9) is arranged to contact a capsule surface made of the electrically conductive material of said capsule (2) when present in the seat (11) and to circulate an electric current therethrough.

4. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the electric connectors (A1,A2,A5,A7,A9,B1,B5,C9) is arranged to pierce a capsule surface, in particular a non-conductive surface, to come into contact with the electrically conductive material of said capsule (2) underneath its surface, when said capsule is present in the seat (11), and to circulate an electric current through said conductive material.

5. The unit of any preceding, which comprises first and second enclosing parts (13a,13b) delimiting a capsule chamber that forms the seat (11), in particular enclosing parts that are movable apart for inserting said capsule (2) into the seat and/or removing said capsule from the seat and that are movable together to hold said capsule in the seat for beverage preparation from said capsule.

6. The unit of claim 5, wherein the first and/or the second enclosing part(s) (13a,13b) form(s) and/or bear(s) one or more of the electric connectors(A,B,C), optionally:

- the first and second enclosing parts (13a,13b) being configured to be movable together so as to squeeze therebetween an electrically conductive portion (24), such as a tongue or peripheral flange, of said capsule (2) when said capsule is present in the seat (11); and

- at least one of the electric connectors (A4,A6,A8,B, B4,B6,B7,B8,B9,) being mounted in and/or adjacent one of said enclosing parts adjacent the squeezed portion.

7. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein first and second electric connectors (A8,B8) are arranged to:

- electrically contact each other in the absence of any capsule (2) in the seat (11) that is in a closed configuration; and

- be out of electrical contact when the seat is in an open capsule receiving and/or evacuation configuration.

8. The unit of any preceding claim, wherein the seat (11) comprises a capsule piercer (12a,12b), such as at least one piercing element selected from a pin, needle, cone, pyramid and blade (12a) and/or a surface (12b) forming a series of such piercing elements, the capsule piercer forming one of the electric connectors (A1,A2,A5,A7,A9, B1, B5, C9) which is arranged to be in contact with an electrically conductive portion (AB,AC) of said capsule (2), when present in the seat (11) and in particular when pierced by the piercer, and to circulate an electric current therethrough.

9. A method of operating a brewing unit (1) as defined in any preceding claim, comprising powering said electric circuit (A,Aa,a,B,Bb,b,abc) and measuring at least one electric characteristic, such as a circulating current and/or a voltage drop between the first and second electric connectors (A,B) and/or between the first and third electric connectors (A, C), and therefrom optionally deriving at least one of:

- a presence or an absence in the seat (11) of a capsule (2) that comprises an electrically conductive material connected to and connecting the connectors by forming therebetween an electrically conductive path (AB,AC);

- an open configuration of the seat for receiving and/or evacuating a capsule; and

- a capsule type selected from a plurality of different types of capsules comprising an electrically conductive material having a type-dependant electric characteristic, such as an impedance, measurable by the electric circuit when a capsule (2) of one of said types is present in the seat (11).

10. Use of a capsule (2) having an electrically conductive material for connecting electrically the electric connectors (A,B), (A,C) of a brewing unit (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, when said capsule is held in the seat (11).

11. A capsule (2) for a brewing unit as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, which has: a non-conductive structure; a track made of electrically conductive material supported by the said structure for electrically connecting said first and second electric connectors (A,B); a conductive path or wire for connecting said first and third connectors (A,C).

12. The capsule according to claim 11, wherein the track extends along a portion of a cup (21) of the capsule and a rim (24) and the conductive path extends along a portion of the cup (21) and a membrane (22) or the conductive wire extends through the capsule.

13. A method of deactivating an electric circuit (A,Aa, a,B,Bb,b,abc) of a brewing unit (1) as defined in any of claims 1 to 8, comprising electrically connecting the electric connectors (A,B,C) with a by-pass (S1,S2).

14. Use of an electrically conductive conductor (S1,S2) as a by-pass for the method of claim 13, the conductor (S1,S2) being in particular arranged to extend along a peripheral part of the seat (11) so as to leave sufficient room in the seat for inserting a separate capsule.

Ansprüche

1. Aufbrüheinheit (1) einer Getränkezubereitungsmachine aufweisend: eine Aufnahme (11) zum Halten einer Kapsel (2) mit einem elektrisch leitenden Material; und einen Stromkreis zur Kapselerkennung mit ersten und zweiten elektrischen Verbindern (A, B), wobei
der erste elektrische Verbinder (A) und der zweite elektrische Verbinder (B):

- über das elektrisch leitende Material der Kapsel (2) elektrisch verbunden sind, wenn die Kapsel in der Aufnahme (11) vorhanden ist; und

- elektrisch getrennt sind, wenn sich die Kapsel nicht in der Aufnahme befindet und/oder wenn sich die Aufnahme zum Aufnehmen und/oder Entleeren einer Kapsel in einer offenen Konfiguration befindet,

so dass der Stromkreis zur Kapselerkennung (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc) geschlossen bzw. unterbrochen wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Stromkreis einen dritten elektrischen Verbinder (C) aufweist, der mit dem ersten elektrischen Verbinder (A) über einen elektrischen Pfad (AC) in dem elektrisch leitenden Material der Kapsel (2) elektrisch verbindbar ist, wobei sich der elektrische Pfad (AC) von einem elektrischen Pfad (AB) in dem elektrisch leitenden Material, das die ersten und zweiten elektrischen Verbinder (A, B) miteinander verbindet, unterscheidet.

2. Einheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Stromkreis ein Modul (abc) aufweist, zum:

- Feststellen des Vorhandenseins der Kapsel (2) in der Aufnahme (11) durch Messen einer Spannung und/oder eines Stroms, der zwischen den ersten und zweiten elektrischen Verbindern (A, B) zirkuliert; und/oder

- Erkennen eines Kapseltyps aus einer Vielzahl verschiedener Kapseltypen durch Messen eines typabhängigen elektrischen Merkmals wie einer Impedanz der Kapsel (2), wenn sie in der Aufnahme (11) vorhanden und mit den ersten und zweiten elektrischen Verbindern (A, B) elektrisch verbunden ist.

3. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei mindestens einer der elektrischen Verbinder (A3, A4, A6, A8, B2, B3, B4, B6, B7, B8, B9) so angeordnet ist, dass er eine Kapseloberfläche aus dem elektrisch leitenden Material der Kapsel (2) berührt, wenn die Kapsel in der Aufnahme (11) vorhanden ist, und einen elektrischen Strom hindurchzirkuliert.

4. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei mindestens einer der elektrischen Verbinder (A1, A2, A5, A7, A9, B1, B5, C9) so angeordnet ist, dass er eine Kapseloberfläche einsticht, insbesondere eine nichtleitende Oberfläche, um mit dem elektrisch leitenden Material der Kapsel (2) unter ihrer Oberfläche in Berührung zu kommen, wenn die Kapsel in der Aufnahme (11) vorhanden ist, und einen elektrischen Strom durch das leitende Material hindurchzuzirkulieren.

5. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die erste und zweite umschließende Teile (13a, 13b) aufweist, die eine Kapselkammer begrenzen, die die Aufnahme (11) bildet, insbesondere umschließende Teile, die auseinander bewegt werden können, um die Kapsel (2) in die Aufnahme einzusetzen und/oder die Kapsel aus der Aufnahme zu entfernen, und die zueinander bewegt werden können, um die Kapsel zur Getränkezubereitung aus der Kapsel in der Aufnahme zu halten.

6. Einheit nach Anspruch 5, wobei das erste (die ersten) und/oder das zweite (die zweiten) umschließende(n) Teil(e) (13a, 13b) einen oder mehrere der elektrischen Verbinder (A, B, C) bildet (bilden) und/oder aufweist (aufweisen), wahlweise wobei:

- die ersten und zweiten umschließenden Teile (13a, 13b) so konfiguriert sind, dass sie zueinander bewegt werden können, so dass sie dazwischen einen elektrisch leitenden Teil (24), wie eine Zunge oder einen umlaufenden Flansch, der Kapsel (2) zusammendrücken, wenn sich die Kapsel in der Aufnahme (11) befindet; und

- mindestens einer der elektrischen Verbinder (A4, A6, A8, B, B4, B6, B7, B8, B9) in und/oder angrenzend an einen der umschließenden Teile angrenzend an den zusammengedrückten Teil montiert ist.

7. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die ersten und zweiten elektrischen Verbinder (A8, B8) so angeordnet sind, dass:

- sie sich bei Nichtvorhandensein einer Kapsel (2) in der Aufnahme (11), die sich in einer geschlossenen Konfiguration befindet, elektrisch berühren; und

- sie nicht in elektrischem Kontakt stehen, wenn sich die Aufnahme in einer offenen Kapselaufnahme- und/oder -entleerungskonfiguration befindet.

8. Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Aufnahme (11) einen Kapseleinstecher (12a, 12b) aufweist, wie mindestens ein Einstechelement, ausgewählt aus einem Stift, einer Nadel, einem Kegel, einer Pyramide und einer Schneide (12a) und/oder eine Oberfläche (12b), die eine Reihe dieser Einstechelemente bildet, wobei der Kapseleinstecher einen der elektrischen Verbinder (A1, A2, A5, A7, A9, B1, B5, C9) bildet, der so angeordnet ist, dass er mit einem elektrisch leitenden Teil (AB, AC) der Kapsel (2) in Kontakt ist, wenn sie in der Aufnahme (11) vorhanden ist, und insbesondere, wenn sie von dem Einstecher eingestochen wurde, und einen elektrischen Strom hindurchzirkuliert.

9. Verfahren zum Betätigen einer Aufbrüheinheit (1) wie in einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche definiert, aufweisend das Einschalten des Stromkreises (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc) und Messen mindestens eines elektrischen Merkmals wie einen zirkulierenden Strom und/oder einen Spannungsabfall zwischen den ersten und zweiten elektrischen Verbindern (A, B) und/oder zwischen den ersten und dritten elektrischen Verbindern (A, C), und daraus wahlweises Ableiten mindestens eines der folgenden:

- das Vorhandensein oder Nichtvorhandensein einer Kapsel (2) in der Aufnahme (11), die ein elektrisch leitendes Material aufweist, das mit den Verbindern verbunden ist und sie verbindet, indem dazwischen ein elektrisch leitender Pfad (AB, AC) gebildet wird;

- eine offene Konfiguration der Aufnahme zum Aufnehmen und/oder Entleeren einer Kapsel; und

- einen Kapseltyp, ausgewählt aus einer Vielzahl verschiedener Kapseltypen, aufweisend ein elektrisch leitendes Material mit einem typabhängigen elektrischen Merkmal wie einer Impedanz, messbar durch den Stromkreis, wenn eine Kapsel (2) einer der Typen in der Aufnahme (11) vorhanden ist.

10. Verwendung einer Kapsel (2) mit einem elektrisch leitenden Material zum elektrischen Verbinden der elektrischen Verbinder (A, B), (A, C) einer Aufbrüheinheit (1), wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 definiert, wenn die Kapsel in der Aufnahme (11) gehalten wird.

11. Kapsel (2) für eine Aufbrüheinheit, wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 definiert, die folgendes besitzt: eine nichtleitende Anordnung; eine Bahn aus elektrisch leitendem Material, getragen durch die Anordnung zum elektrischen Verbinden der ersten und zweiten elektrischen Verbinder (A, B); einen leitenden Pfad oder Draht zum Verbinden der ersten und zweiten Verbinder (A, C).

12. Kapsel nach Anspruch 11, wobei sich die Bahn entlang einem Teil einer Schale (21) der Kapsel erstreckt und ein Rand (24) und der leitende Pfad sich entlang einem Teil der Schale (21) und einer Membran (22) erstrecken oder der leitende Draht durch die Kapsel hindurch verläuft.

13. Verfahren des Deaktivierens eines Stromkreises (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc) einer Aufbrüheinheit (1), wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 definiert, aufweisend das elektrische Verbinden der elektrischen Verbinder (A, B, C) mit einer Umführung (S1, S2).

14. Verwendung eines elektrisch leitenden Leiters (S1, S2) als Umführung für das Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei der Leiter (S1, S2) insbesondere derart angeordnet ist, dass er entlang eines Umfangsbereichs der Aufnahme (11) verläuft, so dass in der Aufnahme genügend Platz zum Einsetzen einer separaten Kapsel bleibt.

Revendications

1. Unité d'infusion (1) d'une machine de préparation de boisson comprenant : un logement (11) pour maintenir une capsule (2) comprenant un matériau électriquement conducteur ; et un circuit électrique de détection de capsule doté de premier et deuxième connecteurs électriques (A, B), dans laquelle le premier connecteur électrique (A) et le deuxième connecteur électrique (B) sont :

- connectés électriquement à travers ledit matériau électriquement conducteur de ladite capsule (2) lorsque ladite capsule est présente dans le logement (11) ; et

- déconnectés électriquement lorsque ladite capsule n'est pas dans le logement et/ou lorsque le logement est dans une configuration ouverte pour recevoir et/ou évacuer une capsule,

de manière à fermer et interrompre, respectivement, le circuit électrique de détection de capsule (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc),
caractérisée en ce que le circuit électrique comprend un troisième connecteur électrique (C) qui est susceptible d'être connecté électriquement au premier connecteur électrique (A) à travers un trajet électrique (AC) dans le matériau électriquement conducteur de ladite capsule (2) qui est différent d'un trajet électrique (AB) dans le matériau électriquement conducteur connectant les premier et deuxième connecteurs électriques (A, B).

2. Unité selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le circuit électrique comprend un module (abc) destiné à :

- détecter une présence de ladite capsule (2) dans le logement (11) en détectant une tension et/ou un courant circulant entre les premier et deuxième connecteurs électriques (A, B) ; et/ou

- reconnaître un type de capsule parmi une pluralité de types différents de capsules en mesurant une caractéristique électrique dépendante du type, comme par exemple une impédance, de ladite capsule (2) lorsqu'elle est présente dans le logement (11) et connectée électriquement aux premier et deuxième connecteurs électriques (A, B).

3. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle au moins l'un des connecteurs électriques (A3, A4, A6, A8, B2, B3, B4, B6, B7, B8, B9) est agencé pour être en contact avec une surface de capsule réalisée dans le matériau électriquement conducteur de ladite capsule (2) lorsqu'elle est présente dans le logement (11) et pour faire circuler un courant électrique à travers celui-ci.

4. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle au moins l'un des connecteurs électriques (A1, A2, A5, A7, A9, B1, B5, C9) est agencé pour percer une surface de capsule, en particulier une surface non conductrice, pour venir en contact avec le matériau électriquement conducteur de ladite capsule (2) au-dessous de sa surface, lorsque ladite capsule est présente dans le logement (11), et pour faire circuler un courant électrique à travers ledit matériau conducteur.

5. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend des première et deuxième pièces d'enfermement (13a, 13b) délimitant une chambre de capsule qui forme le logement (11), en particulier des pièces d'enfermement qui sont mobiles de manière à être espacées pour insérer ladite capsule (2) dans le logement et/ou retirer ladite capsule du logement et qui sont mobiles de manière à être ensemble pour maintenir ladite capsule dans le logement pour la préparation de boisson à partir de ladite capsule.

6. Unité selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle la/les première et/ou deuxième pièce(s) d'enfermement (13a, 13b) forme(nt) et/ou comporte(nt) un ou plusieurs des connecteurs électriques (A, B, C), facultativement :

- les première et deuxième pièces d'enfermement (13a, 13b) étant configurées pour être mobiles de manière à être ensemble de façon à presser entre elles une partie électriquement conductrice (24), comme par exemple une languette ou une bride périphérique, de ladite capsule (2) lorsque ladite capsule est présente dans le logement (11) ; et

- au moins l'un des connecteurs électriques (A4, A6, A8, B, B4, B6, B7, B8, B9) étant monté dans et/ou de manière adjacente à l'une desdites pièces d'enfermement de manière adjacente à la partie pressée.

7. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les premier et deuxième connecteurs électriques (A8, B8) sont agencés pour :

- être en contact électrique l'un avec l'autre en l'absence de toute capsule (2) dans le logement (11) qui est dans une configuration fermée ; et

- ne pas être en contact électrique lorsque le logement est dans une configuration ouverte de réception et/ou d'évacuation de capsule.

8. Unité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le logement (11) comprend un organe de perçage de capsule (12a, 12b), comme par exemple au moins un élément de perçage choisi parmi une épingle, une aiguille, un cône, une pyramide et une lame (12a) et/ou une surface (12b) formant une série de tels éléments de perçage, l'organe de perçage de capsule formant l'un des connecteurs électriques (A1, A2, A5, A7, A9, B1, B5, C9) qui est agencé pour être en contact avec une partie électriquement conductrice (AB, AC) de ladite capsule (2), lorsqu'elle est présente dans le logement (11) et en particulier lorsqu'elle est percée par l'organe de perçage, et pour faire circuler un courant électrique à travers celui-ci.

9. Procédé de fonctionnement d'une unité d'infusion (1) telle que définie dans l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant l'alimentation électrique dudit circuit électrique (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc) et la mesure d'au moins une caractéristique électrique, comme par exemple un courant circulant et/ou une chute de tension entre les premier et deuxième connecteurs électriques (A, B) et/ou entre les premier et troisième connecteurs électriques (A, C), et facultativement la déduction à partir de celle-ci d'au moins un élément parmi :

- une présence ou une absence dans le logement (11) d'une capsule (2) qui comprend un matériau électriquement conducteur connecté aux connecteurs et connectant ceux-ci en formant entre ceux-ci un trajet électriquement conducteur (AB, AC) ;

- une configuration ouverte du logement pour recevoir et/ou évacuer une capsule ; et

- un type de capsule choisi parmi une pluralité de types différents de capsules comprenant un matériau électriquement conducteur ayant une caractéristique électrique dépendante du type, comme par exemple une impédance, mesurable par le circuit électrique lorsqu'une capsule (2) de l'un desdits types est présente dans le logement (11).

10. Utilisation d'une capsule (2) ayant un matériau électriquement conducteur pour connecter électriquement les connecteurs électriques (A, B), (A, C) d'une unité d'infusion (1) telle que définie dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, lorsque ladite capsule est maintenue dans la logement (11).

11. Capsule (2) pour une unité d'infusion telle que définie dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, qui présente : une structure non conductrice ; une piste réalisée en matériau électriquement conducteur supportée par ladite structure pour connecter électriquement lesdits premier et deuxième connecteurs électriques (A, B) ; un trajet ou fil conducteur pour connecter lesdits premier et troisième connecteurs (A, C).

12. Capsule selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle la piste s'étend le long d'une partie d'une coupelle (21) de la capsule et d'un rebord (24) et le trajet conducteur s'étend le long d'une partie de la coupelle de la capsule (21) et d'une membrane (22) ou le fil conducteur s'étend à travers la capsule.

13. Procédé de désactivation d'un circuit électrique (A, Aa, a, B, Bb, b, abc) d'une unité d'infusion (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, comprenant la connexion électrique des connecteurs électriques (A, B, C) avec une dérivation (S1, S2).

14. Utilisation d'un conducteur électriquement conducteur (S1, S2) en tant que dérivation pour le procédé selon la revendication 13, le conducteur (S1, S2) étant en particulier agencé de manière à s'étendre le long d'une partie périphérique du logement (11) de manière à laisser suffisamment de place dans le logement pour insérer une capsule distincte.

Drawing